Sheboygan County Criminal Records
What Is Sheboygan County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Sheboygan County are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 59.40(2), which mandates county clerks to keep and maintain court records.
Criminal records encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, including the Sheboygan County Sheriff's Office or local police departments. These records exist whether or not charges are ultimately filed.
- Conviction Records: Official documentation of criminal cases resulting in a guilty verdict or plea, representing the most comprehensive and permanent type of criminal record.
- Felony Records: Documentation of serious crimes punishable by imprisonment of one year or more in state prison facilities.
- Misdemeanor Records: Records of less serious offenses typically punishable by less than one year in county jail or other penalties.
- Juvenile Records: Documentation of offenses committed by individuals under 18 years of age, which are generally sealed from public view under Wisconsin Statute § 938.396.
- Warrant Information: Active warrants for arrest or bench warrants issued for failure to appear in court.
Multiple agencies maintain different components of criminal records in Sheboygan County:
Sheboygan County Sheriff's Office
525 North 6th Street
Sheboygan, WI 53081
(920) 459-3111
Sheboygan County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and the county jail roster.
Sheboygan County Clerk of Circuit Court
615 North 6th Street
Sheboygan, WI 53081
(920) 459-3068
Sheboygan County Clerk of Circuit Court
The Clerk's office maintains court case records, including charges, arraignments, pleas, trial proceedings, verdicts, and sentencing information.
Wisconsin Department of Justice
17 West Main Street
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 266-1221
Wisconsin Department of Justice
The state maintains the Wisconsin Criminal History Repository with records from all counties, including Sheboygan.
A comprehensive criminal record typically includes documentation of the entire criminal justice process from arrest through final disposition, including charges filed, arraignment details, plea information, trial proceedings, sentencing, and probation or parole status.
Are Criminal Records Public In Sheboygan County
Criminal records in Sheboygan County are generally public documents, accessible to citizens under Wisconsin's Public Records Law, specifically Wisconsin Statute § 19.31-19.39. This statute establishes that "all persons are entitled to the greatest possible information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those officers and employees who represent them."
The Wisconsin Supreme Court has affirmed in Newspapers, Inc. v. Breier, 89 Wis. 2d 417 that "public policy favors the right of inspection of public records and documents, and it is only in the exceptional case that inspection should be denied."
Public criminal records in Sheboygan County typically include:
- Adult arrest records
- Court proceedings and case files
- Conviction records
- Sentencing information
- Incarceration records
- Sex offender registry information
- Probation and parole status
However, certain criminal records are restricted from public access, including:
- Records pertaining to ongoing investigations, as premature disclosure could compromise law enforcement efforts
- Juvenile records, which are generally confidential under Wisconsin Statute § 938.396, with limited exceptions
- Records that have been expunged or sealed by court order
- Records where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy that outweighs the public interest in disclosure
- Records containing sensitive information related to victims of certain crimes
- Mental health evaluations and certain medical information contained within criminal files
The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system, commonly known as CCAP, provides the primary public interface for accessing court records, including criminal cases. However, the system follows the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access Policy, which places certain limitations on what information is displayed online versus what may be available through in-person requests at the courthouse.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Sheboygan County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Sheboygan County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains multiple access points for criminal record searches, each providing different types of information.
For online court record searches:
- Visit the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access website
- Select "Sheboygan County" from the county dropdown menu
- Enter the individual's name in the search fields
- Specify "Criminal/Traffic/Ordinance" under case types
- Review the results, which include case numbers, filing dates, charges, and disposition information
For in-person court record searches:
Sheboygan County Clerk of Circuit Court
615 North 6th Street
Sheboygan, WI 53081
(920) 459-3068
Sheboygan County Clerk of Circuit Court
Public terminals are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Requestors may:
- Visit the Clerk's office during business hours
- Complete a records request form, available at the counter
- Provide the name and, if possible, date of birth of the subject
- Pay applicable copy fees ($1.25 per page for regular copies)
- Wait for staff to retrieve the requested records or use public access terminals
For arrest records and jail information:
Sheboygan County Sheriff's Office
525 North 6th Street
Sheboygan, WI 53081
(920) 459-3111
Sheboygan County Sheriff's Office
- Submit a written request using the Sheriff's Office public records request form
- Include the subject's full name and date of birth if known
- Specify the time period for which records are sought
- Provide contact information for response
- Pay applicable fees (varies based on search complexity and number of pages)
For statewide criminal history records:
Wisconsin Department of Justice
Crime Information Bureau
P.O. Box 2688
Madison, WI 53701-2688
(608) 266-7314
Wisconsin Department of Justice
- Complete the Wisconsin Criminal History Request form (DJ-LE-250)
- Include the subject's full name, date of birth, and other identifying information
- Submit the form with the required fee ($7 per name-based search)
- Receive results by mail or secure electronic delivery
Certified copies of criminal records, often required for legal proceedings, may be obtained from the Clerk of Circuit Court for a fee of $5 per document plus $1.25 per page.
How To Find Criminal Records in Sheboygan County Online?
Sheboygan County offers several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital platforms provide convenient access to various components of the criminal justice system.
The primary online resource for court records is the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system, commonly known as CCAP:
- Navigate to the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access portal
- No registration is required for basic searches
- Search by name, case number, or citation number
- Filter results by county (select Sheboygan) and case type (Criminal/Traffic)
- Review case information including charges, court dates, judgments, and sentencing
The WCCA system provides:
- Case numbers and filing dates
- Charges and statutes cited
- Court appearance schedules
- Attorney information
- Case status and disposition
- Judgment information
- Sentencing details
- Financial assessments and payments
For jail information, the Sheboygan County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate lookup system:
- Visit the Sheboygan County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Corrections" or "Jail Information" section
- Access the current inmate roster
- Search by name to find booking information, charges, and custody status
For sex offender information, the Wisconsin Department of Corrections maintains a statewide registry:
- Access the Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry
- Search by name, address, or zip code
- View registered offenders in Sheboygan County
- Access information on offenses, compliance status, and restrictions
For statewide criminal history background checks:
- Visit the Wisconsin Department of Justice Criminal Information Bureau
- Create an account on the Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS)
- Submit payment ($7 per name-based search)
- Receive results electronically
Limitations of online searches include:
- Certain sensitive information may be redacted
- Juvenile records are generally not available online
- Expunged or sealed records will not appear
- Some older records may not be digitized
- Detailed case documents often require in-person requests
Users should note that while online access provides convenience, the information available electronically may not be as comprehensive as records available through in-person requests at the courthouse.
Can You Search Sheboygan County Criminal Records for Free?
Sheboygan County provides several options for free access to criminal records, in accordance with Wisconsin's Public Records Law § 19.35(1), which states that "any requester has a right to inspect any record." While certain fees may apply for copies, the inspection of records is generally available without charge.
Free online resources include:
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Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA): This statewide court records database is available at no cost and provides information on criminal cases filed in Sheboygan County Circuit Court. The system is accessible at https://wcca.wicourts.gov/ and requires no registration or fees to search.
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Sheboygan County Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup: The current jail roster is available online at no charge through the Sheriff's Office website, allowing users to verify if someone is currently in custody and view basic booking information.
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Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry: Maintained by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, this free resource allows searches for registered sex offenders residing in Sheboygan County.
For in-person free access, the following locations provide public terminals:
Sheboygan County Clerk of Circuit Court
615 North 6th Street
Sheboygan, WI 53081
(920) 459-3068
Sheboygan County Clerk of Circuit Court
Public access terminals are available during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM) for searching court records at no charge. Staff assistance for locating records is also provided without fee.
Sheboygan County Law Library
615 North 6th Street, Room 307
Sheboygan, WI 53081
(920) 459-3090
Sheboygan County Law Library
The law library provides free public access to legal research materials and terminals for accessing court records during regular business hours.
While inspection of records is free, fees may apply for:
- Photocopies of documents ($1.25 per page)
- Certified copies ($5.00 certification fee plus copy costs)
- Background checks through the Wisconsin Department of Justice ($7.00 per name)
- Records requiring extensive staff research time
- Specialized reports or data compilations
Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(3)(a), fees for copies "shall not exceed the actual, necessary and direct cost of reproduction and transcription of the record, unless a fee is otherwise specifically established or authorized to be established by law."
What's Included in a Sheboygan County Criminal Record?
Sheboygan County criminal records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information as outlined below.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye and hair color)
- Mugshot or booking photograph
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency (Sheboygan Police Department, Sheriff's Office, etc.)
- Booking number and facility
- Charges at time of arrest with Wisconsin statute citations
- Bail or bond information
- Detention facility location
- Arresting officer information
- Incident report numbers
Court Case Information:
- Case number and filing date
- Court of jurisdiction (Sheboygan County Circuit Court)
- Judge assigned to the case
- Charges filed by the District Attorney with statute citations
- Classification of charges (felony class A-I or misdemeanor class A-C)
- Initial appearance date
- Plea entered
- Defense attorney information
- Prosecutor information
- Pre-trial motions and rulings
- Trial dates and proceedings
Disposition Information:
- Verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
- Conviction date
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration terms (jail or prison duration)
- Probation terms and conditions
- Fines and court costs assessed
- Restitution ordered
- Community service requirements
- Treatment program mandates
- Post-conviction motions
- Appeal information
- Probation/parole status and violations
- Completion of sentence information
Additional Information:
- Active warrants (bench or arrest)
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- Habitual offender status
- DUI/OWI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
- Prior criminal history references
- DNA collection status
- Firearm restrictions
The level of detail in criminal records may vary based on the nature and disposition of the case. Records of dismissed cases or arrests without charges may contain less information than those resulting in convictions. Additionally, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of these records in accordance with Wisconsin privacy laws.
How Long Does Sheboygan County Keep Criminal Records?
Sheboygan County maintains criminal records according to Wisconsin's records retention schedules, which are established under the authority of Wisconsin Statute § 16.61. These schedules determine how long different types of criminal records must be preserved before they may be destroyed or archived.
The retention periods for various criminal records in Sheboygan County are as follows:
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Felony Case Files: Maintained permanently by the Clerk of Circuit Court. These records are never destroyed due to their significant legal and historical value.
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Misdemeanor Case Files: Retained for 20 years after the case is closed, pursuant to the Wisconsin Circuit Court Records Retention Schedule.
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Criminal Traffic Cases: Maintained for 5-20 years depending on the severity of the offense and outcome.
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Arrest Records Without Charges: The Sheboygan County Sheriff's Office typically retains these records for 7 years from the date of arrest.
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Booking Photos and Fingerprints: Maintained for the duration of the individual's lifetime in the Wisconsin criminal history repository.
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Court Recordings and Transcripts: Digital recordings of court proceedings are retained for 10 years after the case is closed; written transcripts may be maintained permanently for felony cases.
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Probation and Parole Records: Maintained by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections for 10 years after discharge from supervision.
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Dismissed Cases: Records are typically retained for 10 years, though they remain accessible through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access system.
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Expunged Records: While the public record is removed pursuant to court order under Wisconsin Statute § 973.015, agencies may maintain sealed internal records for administrative purposes.
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Juvenile Records: Generally maintained until the subject reaches age 25, with exceptions for serious offenses which may be retained longer.
The Wisconsin Public Records Board oversees the records retention schedules for all government agencies in the state, including Sheboygan County departments. These schedules are periodically reviewed and updated to reflect changes in law and administrative needs.
It is important to note that even after the official retention period expires, information about criminal cases may persist in various databases, private background check companies, and news archives. Additionally, while a record may no longer be maintained by the county, information about serious offenses is often preserved in the Wisconsin Criminal History Repository maintained by the Department of Justice for the duration of the individual's lifetime.